Remember, Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive. Faith shares the spotlight with love, and love does not neglect to do good and share with others. Giving seasons the heart, and motivates obedience to all He commands, ensuring we never grow weary of doing good. The Prophet Isaiah instructed us long ago to share bread with the hungry, bring the poor and homeless into our homes, clothe the naked, and not turn away from your own flesh and blood (Isa. 58:7).
In due time, Jesus penned these words for future generations to ponder; speaking to the people, He said: “I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me” (Matt. 25:35-36). Would you say, yes, Lord, that was me, or would you say, Lord, you must have confused me with someone else? Do you recognize this person Jesus speaks of? Saints, when we have the opportunity, we should share with others.
Never neglect showing hospitality to strangers; if we do, we may miss an opportunity to entertain angels. These are not my words; they are God’s words. Those who have an ear to listen, hear the Word of God: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it” (Heb. 13:2). Be faithful to the Lord and obedient to the truth. Do you desire to meet an angel or the Lord? Then show genuine love for God, your brothers and sisters in Christ, and for the human race. Some people claim God calls them to the mission field. However, in the mission field, the calling is to be a blessing to others, not just to the people you know. Jonah was disobedient and did not want to show God’s love and preach repentance to the Ninevites.
We live in a world much like that of the Ninevites, where relationships are superficial; even in the church, it is easy to smile, hug, and say, “I’m good,” without genuinely showing interest in sharing. Scripture says, "we must stop expressing love merely by our words and manner of speech; we must love also in action and in truth" (1 Jn. 3:18, ISV). Do not just pretend to love others. Love them!
We have an opportunity to draw near to God with a sincere heart full of faith and love. Show reverence for our High Priest, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and speak boldly even when others do not want to hear. Let us be diligent to show love that rejoices in the truth and gets no satisfaction from participating in or condoning evil. It is time to act; actions speak where words fail.
Nettie Pennington is Associate Minister of Springfield Missionary Baptist Church. She is a faithful contributor to your Tate Record church page.
